The roar of engines is already reverberating through Monte Carlo’s narrow streets, but McLaren is stealing the spotlight before the first practice session. The British team has unveiled a special “Riviera” livery for the MCL39, set to grace the Monaco and Spanish Grands Prix in the 2025 Formula 1 season. Drawing inspiration from the iconic M7A, the car that secured McLaren’s first-ever F1 victory, this design blends retro aesthetics with a modern twist, featuring a softer papaya orange and nostalgic details. The campaign, launched in partnership with OKX, also introduces custom race suits for drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
This isn’t just a cosmetic change for McLaren. The “Riviera” livery pays homage to the team’s storied past, specifically the M7A’s triumph in 1968, driven by founder Bruce McLaren. With white circles highlighting the drivers’ numbers, the design evokes the elegance of the French Riviera while showcasing the team’s cutting-edge MCL39. The reveal has sparked a frenzy on social media, with fans praising the refreshed papaya hue and its nod to history.
Key elements of McLaren’s “Riviera” campaign include:
- A lighter papaya orange, inspired by the M7A.
- Retro-style white circles displaying driver numbers.
- White race suits with embroidered names for Norris and Piastri.
- A partnership with OKX, marking its European market expansion.
With McLaren leading the 2025 constructors’ championship, the team arrives in Monaco as a favorite. The new livery adds an extra layer of excitement, setting the stage for a standout performance on two of F1’s most iconic circuits.
Is it hot in here or is it just our new livery? 🥵
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) May 21, 2025
Introducing our bespoke livery, honouring the legacy of our iconic M7A and our shared drive to shape the future.
‘Old Money, New Money’ now screening from the Riviera 🌊#McLaren | #M7AReborn | @OKX pic.twitter.com/A874RbRUiG
M7A legacy takes center stage
The decision to base the “Riviera” livery on the M7A is steeped in significance. Debuting at the 1968 Spanish Grand Prix, the M7A was a game-changer for McLaren. Piloted by Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme, it clinched the team’s first F1 victory in Belgium that same year, cementing McLaren’s place among the sport’s elite. The car also introduced the vibrant papaya orange, a color that would become synonymous with the brand.
Back in 1968, F1 broadcasts were still in black and white, yet the M7A’s bold hue stood out. Competing from 1968 to 1971, the car amassed four wins and multiple podiums, embodying Bruce McLaren’s vision of innovation and grit. The “Riviera” livery revives this legacy, blending the M7A’s retro charm with the MCL39’s advanced engineering.
McLaren’s nod to the M7A also serves a broader purpose. The car didn’t just win races; it marked the team’s transformation into a competitive force. Today, as McLaren dominates the 2025 season, the “Riviera” livery underscores the team’s commitment to honoring its roots while pushing boundaries, a message amplified by its partnership with OKX.
Zoom in on the legacy 🔍#McLaren | #M7AReborn | @OKX pic.twitter.com/gwrDSFLvQT
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) May 21, 2025
OKX partnership drives the campaign
The “Riviera” campaign is powered by McLaren’s collaboration with OKX, a blockchain and cryptocurrency platform. The partnership leverages the Monaco and Spanish GPs to launch OKX’s brand in the European market. The MCL39’s livery incorporates clean lines and a design that balances classic elegance with modern flair, reflecting OKX’s identity.
The reveal took place on a yacht docked in Monaco’s harbor, where McLaren showcased a promotional video featuring Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Filmed in Monte Carlo’s picturesque streets, the video adopts a vintage aesthetic, tying into the campaign’s “Old Money, New Money” theme. This narrative highlights the blend of McLaren’s heritage and OKX’s financial innovation.
The partnership extends beyond the car’s paint scheme. The drivers’ white race suits, featuring embroidered names, prominently display OKX branding. These suits are exclusive to Monaco, while the “Riviera” livery will remain on the MCL39 through the Spanish GP. This marks the fourth special livery collaboration between McLaren and OKX, following standout designs like the 2021 Gulf livery.
- Highlights of the “Riviera” campaign:
- Promotional video shot in Monaco.
- Exclusive race suits for Norris and Piastri.
- OKX’s European market launch.
- Design inspired by the French Riviera’s elegance.
Retro design meets modern performance
The “Riviera” livery merges nostalgic elements with the MCL39’s sleek design. The papaya orange, a McLaren hallmark, appears in a softer shade, echoing the M7A’s iconic look. White circles showcasing the drivers’ numbers, placed on the rear and chassis, draw directly from 1960s styling. These details contrast with the car’s aerodynamic lines, creating a striking fusion of eras.
Crafting the livery required meticulous work from McLaren’s design team. Every element was engineered to preserve the MCL39’s performance, with wind tunnel tests ensuring the aesthetic changes didn’t compromise aerodynamics. The result is a visually stunning car that retains its competitive edge.
The drivers’ race suits follow a similar philosophy. Departing from the usual orange, the white suits exude sophistication, with Norris and Piastri’s names embroidered on the back. Designed in collaboration with OKX, these suits are a one-off for Monaco, adding exclusivity to the event.
Monaco’s history of special liveries
McLaren has a tradition of unveiling unique liveries at the Monaco Grand Prix, one of Formula 1’s crown jewels. In 2021, the team debuted the Gulf livery, blending blue and orange to honor a historic partnership. In 2023, McLaren celebrated its Triple Crown with a design highlighting victories in Monaco, the Indianapolis 500, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Last year, the team paid tribute to Ayrton Senna with a yellow, green, and blue livery marking 30 years since the legend’s passing. Used in Monaco, it resonated deeply with fans, who flocked to Monte Carlo to honor Senna’s legacy. The 2025 “Riviera” livery continues this tradition, standing out for its minimalist approach and focus on McLaren’s own history.
- Recent McLaren special liveries in Monaco:
- 2021: Gulf livery with blue and orange.
- 2023: Triple Crown tribute.
- 2024: Ayrton Senna homage.
- 2025: “Riviera” inspired by the M7A.
Monaco’s glamorous backdrop makes it the ideal stage for these designs. The street circuit’s global visibility allows McLaren to showcase its brand, engaging fans who eagerly anticipate each new livery reveal.
McLaren’s 2025 dominance
The 2025 season has been a showcase of McLaren’s prowess. With five wins in seven races, the team leads the constructors’ championship by 132 points. In the drivers’ standings, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri hold the top two spots, separated by just 13 points. The MCL39’s reliability and speed position McLaren as the team to beat in Monaco.
Monaco’s tight layout demands precision and qualifying pace, areas where McLaren excels. Neither Norris nor Piastri has won in Monte Carlo, but the team’s recent form suggests a breakthrough is possible. The “Riviera” livery adds motivation, with the drivers eager to honor the M7A’s legacy with a strong result.
Preparations for Monaco included fine-tuning the MCL39’s downforce and traction, critical for the circuit’s slow corners. Extensive simulations, drawing on past race data, have bolstered the team’s confidence. Still, rivals like Red Bull and Ferrari remain formidable threats.
Monaco GP expectations
The Monaco Grand Prix, scheduled for May 23-25, is the eighth round of the 2025 season. Known for its technical demands and prestige, the race unfolds on Monte Carlo’s unforgiving streets. McLaren aims to maintain its championship lead, navigating challenges like the FIA’s new two-stop rule, designed to enhance strategic racing.
The “Riviera” livery has already won over fans, with McLaren’s X posts garnering thousands of likes and shares. A post showcasing Oscar Piastri’s special helmet, designed to match the livery, has fueled excitement. The hashtag #M7AReborn, tied to the campaign, is trending, amplifying its reach.
- Monaco GP schedule:
- May 23: Free practice 1 and 2.
- May 24: Free practice 3 and qualifying.
- May 25: Main race.
Monaco buzzes with anticipation. McLaren, armed with its stunning livery and dominant form, is poised to make headlines. Norris and Piastri, donning their exclusive suits, have a golden opportunity to etch their names into the team’s storied history.
Spanish GP preparations
Following Monaco, McLaren will carry the “Riviera” livery to the Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in early June. The ninth round of the season presents a different challenge, with its mix of high-speed straights and technical corners. Unlike Monaco’s tight streets, Barcelona tests a car’s overall balance.
Extending the livery to Spain maximizes the OKX campaign’s exposure. The MCL39, unaffected aerodynamically by the paint scheme, is expected to perform well in Barcelona’s diverse layout. McLaren has a history of success in Spain, including Fernando Alonso’s 2007 victory, and aims to add another win in 2025.
The team’s preparations focus on aerodynamic efficiency to tackle Barcelona’s long straights. Adjustments to the MCL39’s setup will ensure versatility, building on the car’s strong 2025 performance.
Fan engagement and social media buzz
The “Riviera” campaign launched with a robust social media strategy. McLaren’s X posts, featuring videos and photos of the livery and suits, have gone viral. A standout video with Norris and Piastri, blending vintage and modern Monaco visuals, racked up millions of views within hours of its May 21 release.
Fans also got a treat with Oscar Piastri’s M7A-inspired helmet, featuring orange and white accents. The design, lauded for its retro fidelity, complements the livery. McLaren’s call for fans to share photos with #M7AReborn has sparked a global online movement, boosting engagement.
- Fan reactions on social media:
- Praise for the livery’s minimalist design.
- Excitement over the white race suits.
- Hopes for a Monaco victory.
- Surge in #M7AReborn hashtag use.
McLaren is doubling down on fan interaction, planning Monaco events like autograph sessions with Norris and Piastri. These efforts strengthen the emotional bond between the team and its supporters, who see the “Riviera” livery as a celebration of McLaren’s past and future.
Tradition and innovation in Formula 1
The “Riviera” livery is more than a visual refresh; it embodies McLaren’s ability to honor its heritage while embracing modernity. The M7A’s 1968 victory laid the foundation for a legacy that includes eight constructors’ titles and 12 drivers’ championships. Today, the MCL39 carries that torch with state-of-the-art technology and a world-class engineering team.
The OKX partnership symbolizes the future. By promoting blockchain-based financial solutions, OKX aligns with McLaren’s forward-thinking ethos. The “Old Money, New Money” campaign captures this duality, showcasing how the team balances tradition with progress.
Formula 1 thrives on this interplay of history and innovation. Iconic circuits like Monaco coexist with cutting-edge technologies like hybrid engines and real-time telemetry. McLaren’s “Riviera” livery encapsulates this spirit, delivering a spectacle that resonates with fans on one of motorsport’s grandest stages.
